Two hundred and eighty workers at Launceston will keep their jobs after the Federal government, the AMWU and the management of ACL Bearings came to an agreement today to assist the at-risk company.

ACL Bearings is a major automotive components supplier, and the flow on effects of the Tasmanian supplier closing would have profoundly impacted both Ford and Toyota.

AMWU Assistant National Secretary, Glenn Thompson, said the Federal Labor Government has recognised the importance of the company and its workforce by providing urgent, structural adjustment support.

“The AMWU, the government and the management of ACL Bearings have been working to save the company from administration and we are very happy today to announce we have been successful.

“For AMWU members, the workers at ACL Bearings, the news is particularly good.

“The AMWU renews its calls to the Rudd Government to move swiftly to give all workers security over their entitlements.

“The AMWU has called for guaranteed entitlements of 100 cents in the dollar for all workers, initially by expanding the GEERS system and then by a universal industry scheme.

“This deal to save ACL Bearings shows what governments, unions and businesses, working together, can do to fight the recession and keep productive and skilled workers employed.

“On behalf of our members at ACL Bearings, the AMWU congratulates all the parties who have made this possible,” said Mr Thompson.